On April 28, 2001, about 1445 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 11AC, N86217, registered to a private individual, collided with trees after the engine started while hand propping the engine at the Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the intended 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight. The unoccupied airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The annual inspection was overdue; the pilot had a ferry permit to fly the airplane to the place where the annual inspection was to be performed. With the assistance of a safety pilot on board the airplane which was tied down, he was unable to start the engine. He left the airport and obtained "starter fluid" but when he returned there was no person around to act as a safety pilot. He rechecked the rope used to tied down the airplane and found it secure. He was able to start the engine with the aid of the starter fluid and when near the pilot's side door, the rope broke. He grabbed the lift strut but was unable to stop the airplane which was going in circles; there was no assistance from individuals on the ground. He released the lift strut, then some time later he grabbed the lift strut again and forced the airplane into trees.